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On The Table Read Magazine, “the best entertainment eBook magazine UK“, Protoje’s new single ‘Big 45’, a bass-heavy reggae anthem celebrating Jamaica’s soundsystem culture, reinforces his role as a leading figure in the reggae revival movement.
Big 45
Reggae revivalist, artist, and producer Protoje is back with a powerful new single, ‘Big 45’, released on his In.Digg.Nation Collective/Ineffable Records label. The anthemic track is a vibrant salute to Jamaica’s iconic soundsystem culture, a cornerstone of reggae music that has shaped Protoje’s career and the genre’s global influence.
Produced by The Indiggnation and Winta James—whose credits include Protoje’s hits ‘Who Knows’ and ‘Switch It Up’ featuring Koffee—the bass-driven song is already resonating with fans, having been teased at live shows and across social media to an overwhelmingly positive response.
Accompanying the single is a dynamic music video directed by SAMO, which captures the essence of soundsystem culture. In the visuals, Protoje and his crew are seen transporting massive speaker boxes through the streets, a nod to the towering sound cabinets that have long been staples of Jamaican music gatherings. Performing with his signature laid-back charisma, Protoje carries the torch for this formative tradition, blending reverence for reggae’s roots with his forward-thinking artistry.
’BIG 45’ is a reggae and dancehall anthem…it’s talking about soundsystem, it’s talking about live music. This song came up whilst I was in soundcheck in Germany. My band started to play a vibe and I connected with it. The moment we started it, everybody got excited because we knew it was one of those ‘bring everyone together’ type of songs to make you move and rise up.
–Protoje
Protoje
A two-time Grammy nominee for Best Reggae Album (A Matter of Time in 2018 and Third Time’s The Charm in 2022), Protoje is widely regarded as one of reggae’s most influential voices. Hailing from Saint Elizabeth, Jamaica, he has redefined the genre by weaving elements of hip-hop, soul, and jazz into his music, creating a sound that feels both timeless and innovative.
Since bursting onto the global stage with his 2014 hit ‘Who Knows’ featuring Chronixx, Protoje has collaborated with artists like Jorja Smith, Alicia Keys, Pa Salieu, and Wiz Khalifa, while his track ‘Switch It Up’ with Koffee landed on Barack Obama’s 2021 Summer Playlist. His performances at major festivals like Coachella, Glastonbury, and Lollapalooza, along with appearances on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon and NPR’s Tiny Desk Concert, have cemented his status as a cultural force.
Beyond his music, Protoje is a visionary dedicated to uplifting Jamaican talent. Through his In.Digg.Nation Collective, he has nurtured artists like Sevana, Lila Iké, and Jaz Elise, fostering the next generation of reggae stars. His 2023 release, In Search of Zion, a dub-heavy reimagination of his 2020 album In Search of Lost Time, showcased his willingness to push boundaries and explore new sonic territories.
As Protoje prepares to bring ‘Big 45’ to audiences worldwide, his upcoming schedule is packed with performances. This spring, he’ll tour the U.S. in April and May, followed by a return to Europe for the summer reggae festival circuit and a series of solo dates in November. With each release and performance, Protoje continues to redefine what it means to be a Jamaican artist in the 21st century—uncompromising, boundary-pushing, and ever-evolving.
‘Big 45’ is more than a song; it’s a celebration of reggae’s roots and a testament to Protoje’s enduring influence. As he carries the soundsystem legacy forward, Protoje remains a cultural catalyst, creating conversations and connections through music that transcends borders and generations.
Find more from Protoje now:
www.protoje.com
www.instagram.com/protoje
https://x.com/protoje
www.facebook.com/protoje
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